Latest Sightings
We are starting to see changes in the waders on the reserve over the past few days with black-tailed godwit numbers beginning to increase, 8 were seen on the mere this morning along with fluctuating numbers of ruff (usually around 10). A redshank was on Woodend marsh yesterday and oystercatchers are beginning to return to the reserve, with 1 on the 28th, 4 on the 29th and 8 this morning. 6 snipe were on Woodend marsh on Sunday and plenty of woodcock are still using the fields at night.
The yellow-browed warbler at the sewage farm is still showing well most days and can sometimes be quite vocal. The 3 Siberian chiffchaffs are also showing well up there and there is plenty of common chiffchaffs, goldcrests and long-tailed tits as well.
The mere is full of wildfowl with plenty of whooper swans, pintail , shelduck and wigeon. Pochard numbers are still fairly low but are into double figures, spread across the mere and the pool in front of Harrier Hide. Harrier hide is also great to see shovelers, gadwall and tufted ducks.
The reedbed is a great place to see the marsh harriers, particularly towards the end of the day as the come into roost. The reedbed is also great to hear water rails and Cetti's warblers. towards the end of last week a barn owl was seen hunting over the reedbed, with another two from Ron Barker hide.
Picture: Yellow-browed warbler
